The locally bred, Canterbury owned and trained trotter Over The Love looks to have a bit of a future.
The Love You three year old easily won the Centrepoint and South City Liquorland Trot at Ascot Park today beating a field of twelve other maidens.
Prior to today's win Over The Love had won three of his four workouts, both his trials and run second on debut at Addington in a sub two minute mile rate.
"He's done a good job and he's always given us the impression that time's going to be his friend. He's a big horse so you'll see the best of him probably next year," said driver Blair Orange.
In today's 2700 metre event Over The Love settled fifth behind tearaway leader Pegasus Hanover. When Orange saw second favourite Jaccka Josh improve with 1200 metres to run he moved off the running line. That forced Jaccka Josh three wide for three hundred metres before Orange slotted the three year old into the one one behind Jaccka Josh with a lap to run. At the top of the straight Orange peeled off Jaccka Josh's back and trotted down the middle of the track cruising to the finish line, beating a game Jaccka Josh by two and a half lengths.
The chestnut gelding is by Love You out of the four win Chiola Hanover mare Cochy Bondu. He was bred by Invercargill Jeweller Kevin Schuck
Cochy Bondu has produced three foals of racing age and all have qualified. Her first foal Overcast has now won five races while Coppertone Lad a full-brother to Over The Love qualified at Ascot Park early this month. According to his trainer Alan Paisley he's expected to debut in a few weeks.
Over The Love with Overcast Photo by Bruce Stewart
The mare's next foal a Dream Vacation colt foal has already been bought by his co-trainer Ken Barron.
Today was Over The Love's first big trip away.
"He taking it all in his stride. He's a lovely big relaxed horse who trotted good today. He was a little pacey early but once he got into his rhythm and balanced after a couple of hundred metres he was good from there on in. He's probably got a few trips away in the future."
Today's win was one of three for Orange and takes his season tally to a personal best of 124. Dexter Dunn also drove three winners today and leads the premiership with 139 winners.
Over The Love winning
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing